The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) is proud to be joining forces with law enforcement agencies across North America today for “Operation Clear Track” — the single largest rail-safety law-enforcement initiative in North America.
Coordinated by Amtrak, Operation Lifesaver Inc. and Operation Lifesaver Canada, Operation Clear Track aims to reduce the number of railway crossing and trespassing incidents in Canada and the U.S. — incidents which seriously injure or kill more than 2,100 people each year. The event is held annually during Rail Safety Week (September 21-27, 2020).
“The MHPS reminds drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to stay at a safe distance from trains and stay off railway property and tracks,” says Sgt Gerald Sadlemyer, MHPS Traffic Unit. “ Always obey railway signs and signals and before crossing, take a moment to stop, look and listen.”
“A split-second decision to try to beat a train at a crossing, or to use tracks as a shortcut or a recreational path, can have tragic consequences,” said Sarah Mayes, National Director of Operation Lifesaver Canada. “Operation Clear Track’s goal is to encourage people to think twice before engaging in unsafe behaviours, and to learn how to keep themselves safe around tracks and trains.”
Because of the ongoing pandemic, law enforcement agencies will be participating in a virtual Operation Clear Track event this year. Hundreds of police and sheriff departments across North America have signed up for the initiative, and will be promoting rail safety through social media messages, by sharing Operation Lifesaver’s 2020 #STOPTrackTragedies videos, and by posting other rail-safety content to their department websites. Participating police departments will also be emphasizing the importance of obeying rail crossing and trespassing laws throughout Rail Safety Week.
For more information about Operation Clear Track, Rail Safety Week and other rail-safety initiatives and tips, please visit: operationlifesaver.ca
About Operation Lifesaver
Operation Lifesaver is a national public rail-safety program sponsored by Transport Canada, the Railway Association of Canada and its members, including CN, CP, VIA Rail, exo, West Coast Express, Metrolinx and Genesee & Wyoming, among others. Through partnerships with safety councils, police, the trucking industry and community groups, Operation Lifesaver works to save lives by educating Canadians about the hazards of rail crossings and trespassing on railway property.
Media Contact:
Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471